SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):
January 25, 2018

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)



DELAWARE
 
001-15749
 
31-1429215
(State or Other Jurisdiction
 
(Commission
 
(IRS Employer
of Incorporation)
 
File Number)
 
Identification No.)



7500 DALLAS PARKWAY, SUITE 700
PLANO, TEXAS  75024
(Address and Zip Code of Principal Executive Offices)
   
(214) 494-3000
(Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)

NOT APPLICABLE
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions:

[  ]
 
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
     
[  ]
 
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
     
[  ]
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act
     
[  ]
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company   [  ]

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    [  ]



ITEM 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On January 25, 2018, Alliance Data Systems Corporation (the "Company") issued a press release regarding its results of operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.  A copy of this press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1.


ITEM 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure

On January 25, 2018, the Company issued a press release regarding its results of operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.  A copy of this press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1.

Attached as Exhibit 99.2 is a presentation to be given to investors and others by senior officers of the Company.


ITEM 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit No.
 
Document Description
     
 
Press Release dated January 25, 2018 announcing the results of operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
 
Investor Presentation Materials.

 
Note: The information contained in this report (including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2) shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.



 
Alliance Data Systems Corporation
       
Date: January 25, 2018
By:
 
/s/ Charles L. Horn
     
Charles L. Horn
     
Executive Vice President and
     
Chief Financial Officer
 

 

Exhibit 99.1


Contacts:
UInvestors/Analysts
 
Tiffany Louder
 
Alliance Data
 
214-494-3048
 
Tiffany.Louder@AllianceData.com
   
 
UMedia
 
Shelley Whiddon
 
Alliance Data
 
214-494-3811
 
Shelley.Whiddon@AllianceData.com

Alliance Data Reports Full-Year 2017 Results

· Revenue Increases 8 Percent to $7.72 Billion
·  EPS Increases 92 Percent to $14.10
·  Core EPS Increases 14 Percent to $19.35
·  Quarterly Dividend Increased 10 Percent to $0.57

PLANO, TX, January 25, 2018 – Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions, today announced results for the year ended December 31, 2017.

SUMMARY
   
Quarter Ended December 31,
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
(in millions, except per share amounts)
   
2017
   
2016
   
% Change
   
2017
   
2016
   
% Change
 
Revenue
   
$
2,106
   
$
1,828
     
+15
%
 
$
7,719
   
$
7,138
     
+8
%
Net income
   
$
271
   
$
11
   
nm*
   
$
789
   
$
518
     
+52
%
Net income attributable to Alliance Data
stockholders per diluted share ("EPS") (a)
   
$
4.88
   
$
0.18
   
nm*
   
$
14.10
   
$
7.34
     
+92
%
Diluted shares outstanding
     
55.6
     
57.9
             
55.9
     
58.9
         
*******************************
 
                                               
Supplemental Non-GAAP Metrics (b):
                                                 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
$
598
   
$
566
     
+6
%
 
$
2,218
   
$
2,096
     
+6
%
Adjusted EBITDA, net of funding costs and non-
controlling interest ("adjusted EBITDA, net") (a)
   
$
514
   
$
507
     
+1
%
 
$
1,937
   
$
1,880
     
+3
%
Core earnings attributable to Alliance Data
stockholders per diluted share ("core EPS") (a)
   
$
6.26
   
$
4.67
     
+34
%
 
$
19.35
   
$
16.92
     
+14
%

(a)
Profitability measures shown above are net of amounts attributable to the minority interest in Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, referred to as 'non-controlling interest.'
(b)
See "Financial Measures" below for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.
*
nm – not meaningful.

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 25, 2018

Highlights for 2017 are:
· Revenue of $7.72 billion - $7.8 billion adjusted for (~$80) million of hurricane impact
· Core EPS of $18.33 - excluding the net tax benefit - exceeding guidance of $18.10
· AIR MILES® achieved profitability targets
· Epsilon's Technology Platform offering returned to growth
· Card Services' delinquency wedge effectively closed when adjusted for hurricane impacts
· Cash dividend increased 10 percent to $0.57 starting in first quarter of 2018
· Positive impact of tax reform, net of initiatives - $1.02 in 2017 and $1.00 to $1.50 in 2018
Ed Heffernan, president and chief executive officer of Alliance Data, commented, "It was another solid year for Alliance Data as revenue increased 8 percent to $7.72 billion and core EPS increased 14 percent to $19.35."
Heffernan continued, "As you can see from the last bullet above, we are a significant beneficiary of the recently enacted tax reform. In keeping with the goals and spirit of this legislation, we will use a portion of the tax savings to: 1) bolster our human capital base; and 2) accelerate key initiatives, such as developing a consumer deposits funding source for Card Services, and scaling up promising areas such as Epsilon's digital CRM business. Toward those goals, we increased our bonus pool to non-executive associates by $12 million in 2017, and plan to reinvest up to $0.50 of the projected 2018 tax benefit back into the Company as noted above."
FULL-YEAR CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Revenue increased 8 percent to $7.72 billion. EPS increased 92 percent to $14.10 and core EPS increased 14 percent to $19.35 for 2017. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased 3 percent to $1.94 billion.
FOURTH-QUARTER CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Revenue increased 15 percent to $2.11 billion for the fourth quarter of 2017. EPS increased to $4.88 and core EPS increased 34 percent to $6.26 for the fourth quarter of 2017. Adjusted EBITDA, net increased 1 percent to $514 million for the fourth quarter of 2017.
The recent tax reform legislation benefited the fourth quarter of 2017. Specifically, the new federal corporate tax rate of 21 percent necessitated the re-valuation of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities previously established at higher tax rates. Since the Company was in a net deferred tax liability position, the adjustment reduced the provision for income taxes by $65 million. Net of the special bonuses discussed above, the benefit to 2017 was approximately $1.02 to both per share measures.
2

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 25, 2018

FOURTH-QUARTER SEGMENT REVIEW
LoyaltyOne®: Revenue increased 56 percent to $385 million while adjusted EBITDA increased 9 percent to $80 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. Foreign exchange translation rates had a nominally positive impact to financial results.
AIR MILES and BrandLoyalty revenues were $193 million and $192 million, respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2017. AIR MILES reward miles issued decreased 5 percent for the fourth quarter of 2017, due to reduced promotional activity.
Epsilon®: Revenue increased 7 percent to $640 million, while adjusted EBITDA decreased 2 percent to $159 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. The decline in adjusted EBITDA is due to $13 million of additional incentive compensation compared to the fourth quarter of 2016.
The Auto and CRM offerings were the primary revenue drivers for the fourth quarter of 2017, both with double-digit growth. Importantly, Technology Platform revenue increased 7 percent for the fourth quarter of 2017, driven by new client wins.
Card Services: Revenue increased 10 percent to $1.09 billion and adjusted EBITDA, net increased 4 percent to $311 million for the fourth quarter of 2017.
Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, which prompted us to provide a two-month leniency period for cardholders in FEMA-designated "individual assistance" disaster areas, reduced revenue by approximately $40 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. In addition, the transition of cardholders out of the hurricane-related leniency period in December increased the year-end delinquency rate by about 20 basis points.
2018 Updated Guidance
· Revenue of $8.35 billion, representing an 8 percent increase. Original guidance of $8.7 billion reduced for approximately $350 million accounting reclassification for AIR MILES under the new revenue recognition standard, which went into effect January 1, 2018 (change to a net versus gross presentation)
· Core EPS of $22.50 to $23.00, representing a 16 to 19 percent increase over 2017.
3

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 25, 2018

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements give our expectations or forecasts of future events and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "project," "plan," "likely," "may," "should" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements.  Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding our expected operating results, future economic conditions including currency exchange rates, future dividend declarations and the guidance we give with respect to our anticipated financial performance.
We believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements, however, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release, and no assurances can be given that our expectations will prove to have been correct. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, factors set forth in the Risk Factors section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year, which may be updated in Item 1A of, or elsewhere in, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed for periods subsequent to such Form 10-K.
Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation, other than as required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events, anticipated or unanticipated circumstances or otherwise.
Financial Measures
In addition to the results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, the Company may present financial measures that are non-GAAP measures, such as constant currency financial measures, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA, net of funding costs and non-controlling interest, core earnings and core earnings per diluted share (core EPS). Constant currency excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Company calculates constant currency by converting our current period local currency financial results using the prior period exchange rates. The Company uses adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net as an integral part of internal reporting to measure the performance and operational strength of reportable segments and to evaluate the performance of senior management. Adjusted EBITDA eliminates the uneven effect across all reportable segments of non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of intangible assets, including certain intangible assets that were recognized in business combinations, and the non-cash effect of stock compensation expense. Similarly, core earnings and core EPS eliminate non-cash or non-operating items, including, but not limited to, stock compensation expense, amortization of purchased intangibles, amortization of debt issuance and hedging costs, mark-to-market gains or losses on interest rate derivatives, changes to the expiry policy and regulatory settlements. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, viewed in addition to and not in lieu of the Company's reported GAAP results, provide useful information to investors regarding the Company's performance and overall results of operations.
4

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 25, 2018

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Reconciliations to comparable GAAP financial measures are available in the accompanying schedules, which are posted as part of this earnings release in both the News and Investors sections on the Company's website (www.alliancedata.com). No reconciliation is provided with respect to forward-looking annual guidance for 2018 core EPS as the Company cannot reliably predict all necessary components or their impact to reconcile core EPS to GAAP EPS without unreasonable effort. The events necessitating a non-GAAP adjustment are inherently unpredictable and may have a material impact on the Company's future results.
The financial measures presented are consistent with the Company's historical financial reporting practices. Core earnings and core EPS represent performance measures and are not intended to represent liquidity measures. The non-GAAP financial measures presented herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies, and are not identical to corresponding measures used in other various agreements or public filings.
Conference Call
Alliance Data will host a conference call on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss the Company's fourth-quarter and full-year 2017 results. The conference call will be available via the Internet at www.alliancedata.com. There will be several slides accompanying the webcast. Please go to the website at least 15 minutes prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary software. The recorded webcast will also be available on the Company's website.
If you are unable to participate in the conference call, a replay will be available. To access the replay, please dial (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406 and enter "7596568". The replay will be available at approximately 11:45 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Thursday, January 25, 2018.
About Alliance Data
Alliance Data® (NYSE: ADS) is a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions serving large, consumer-based industries. The Company creates and deploys customized solutions, enhancing the critical customer marketing experience; the result is measurably changing consumer behavior while driving business growth and profitability for some of today's most recognizable brands. Alliance Data helps its clients create and increase customer loyalty through solutions that engage millions of customers each day across multiple touch points using traditional, digital, mobile and emerging technologies. An S&P 500 and Fortune 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, Alliance Data consists of three businesses that together employ approximately 20,000 associates at more than 100 locations worldwide.

Alliance Data's card services business is a leading provider of marketing-driven branded credit card programs. Epsilon® is a leading provider of multichannel, data-driven technologies and marketing services, and also includes Conversant®, a leader in personalized digital marketing. LoyaltyOne® owns and operates the AIR MILES® Reward Program, Canada's most recognized loyalty program, and Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, a global provider of tailor-made loyalty programs for grocers.

Follow Alliance Data on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
5

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 25, 2018

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Revenue
 
$
2,106.2
   
$
1,827.6
   
$
7,719.4
   
$
7,138.1
 
Operating expenses:
                               
Cost of operations
   
1,188.1
     
1,231.1
     
4,436.2
     
4,420.0
 
Provision for loan loss
   
332.2
     
289.5
     
1,140.1
     
940.5
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
123.2
     
127.4
     
497.6
     
512.1
 
Total operating expenses
   
1,643.5
     
1,648.0
     
6,073.9
     
5,872.6
 
Operating income
   
462.7
     
179.6
     
1,645.5
     
1,265.5
 
Interest expense, net:
                               
Securitization funding costs
   
46.7
     
34.1
     
156.6
     
125.6
 
Interest expense on deposits
   
37.2
     
24.7
     
125.1
     
84.7
 
Interest expense on long-term and other debt, net
   
72.5
     
58.9
     
282.7
     
218.2
 
Total interest expense, net
   
156.4
     
117.7
     
564.4
     
428.5
 
Income before income tax
 
$
306.3
   
$
61.9
   
$
1,081.1
   
$
837.0
 
Income tax expense
   
35.0
     
51.4
     
292.4
     
319.4
 
Net income
 
$
271.3
   
$
10.5
   
$
788.7
   
$
517.6
 
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
   
     
     
     
1.8
 
Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
271.3
   
$
10.5
   
$
788.7
   
$
515.8
 
                                 
Per share data:
                               
                                 
Numerator
                               
Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
271.3
   
$
10.5
   
$
788.7
   
$
515.8
 
Less: Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interest
   
     
     
     
83.5
 
Net income attributable to common stockholders after accretion of redeemable non-controlling interest
 
$
271.3
   
$
10.5
   
$
788.7
   
$
432.3
 
                                 
Denominator
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
   
55.3
     
57.6
     
55.7
     
58.6
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
   
55.6
     
57.9
     
55.9
     
58.9
 
                                 
Basic – Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
4.91
   
$
0.18
   
$
14.17
   
$
7.37
 
Diluted – Net income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
4.88
   
$
0.18
   
$
14.10
   
$
7.34
 
                                 

6

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 25, 2018

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)

   
December 31,
2017
   
December 31,
2016
 
             
Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
4,190.0
   
$
1,859.2
 
Credit card and loan receivables:
               
Credit card and loan receivables
   
18,613.8
     
16,543.9
 
Allowance for loan loss
   
(1,119.3
)
   
(948.0
)
Credit card and loan receivables, net
   
17,494.5
     
15,595.9
 
Credit card and loan receivables held for sale
   
1,026.3
     
417.3
 
Redemption settlement assets, restricted
   
589.5
     
324.4
 
Intangible assets, net
   
800.6
     
1,003.3
 
Goodwill
   
3,880.1
     
3,800.7
 
Other assets
   
2,703.8
     
2,513.3
 
Total assets
 
$
30,684.8
   
$
25,514.1
 
                 
Liabilities and Equity
               
Deferred revenue
 
$
966.9
   
$
931.5
 
Deposits
   
10,930.9
     
8,391.9
 
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
   
8,807.3
     
6,955.4
 
Long-term and other debt
   
6,079.6
     
5,601.4
 
Other liabilities
   
2,044.8
     
1,975.7
 
Total liabilities
   
28,829.5
     
23,855.9
 
Stockholders' equity
   
1,855.3
     
1,658.2
 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
30,684.8
   
$
25,514.1
 
                 

7

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 25, 2018

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In millions)
 
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016 (1)
 
 
     
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
Net income
 
$
788.7
   
$
517.6
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
497.6
     
512.1
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(113.8
)
   
(30.8
)
Provision for loan loss
   
1,140.1
     
940.5
 
Non-cash stock compensation
   
75.1
     
76.5
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
   
44.0
     
34.7
 
Change in breakage rate estimate
   
     
284.5
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities
   
94.8
     
(360.4
)
Originations of loan receivables held for sale
   
(8,709.4
)
   
(7,366.3
)
Sales of loan receivables held for sale
   
8,651.9
     
7,362.8
 
Other
   
140.6
     
143.2
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
2,609.6
     
2,114.4
 
   
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
Change in redemption settlement assets
   
(243.1
)
   
148.7
 
Change in credit card and loan receivables
   
(3,600.2
)
   
(3,505.4
)
Purchase of credit card portfolios
   
     
(1,008.1
)
Sale of credit card and loan portfolios
   
797.7
     
486.0
 
Payment for acquired business, net of cash acquired
   
(945.6
)
   
 
Capital expenditures
   
(225.4
)
   
(207.0
)
Other
   
(71.9
)
   
22.8
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(4,288.5
)
   
(4,063.0
)
   
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
Borrowings under debt agreements
   
7,696.7
     
3,823.7
 
Repayments of borrowings
   
(7,341.4
)
   
(3,222.8
)
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
   
5,172.5
     
4,404.4
 
Repayments/maturities of non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
   
(3,320.3
)
   
(3,930.0
)
Net increase in deposits
   
2,543.2
     
2,789.9
 
Acquisition of non-controlling interest
   
     
(360.7
)
Payment of deferred financing costs
   
(65.7
)
   
(33.9
)
Purchase of treasury shares
   
(553.7
)
   
(798.8
)
Dividends paid
   
(115.5
)
   
(30.0
)
Other
   
(10.9
)
   
(4.4
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
4,004.9
     
2,637.4
 
   
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
4.8
     
2.4
 
Change in cash and cash equivalents
   
2,330.8
     
691.2
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
1,859.2
     
1,168.0
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
4,190.0
   
$
1,859.2
 
                 
                     
(1)
Adjusted to reflect the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." The effect of the adoption of the standard was to increase cash flows from operating activities by $26.0 million and to decrease cash flows from financing activities by $26.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.
8

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 25, 2018
 
ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
SUMMARY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
         
Year Ended
December 31,
       
   
2017
   
2016
   
Change
   
2017
   
2016
   
Change
 
Segment Revenue:
                       
LoyaltyOne
 
$
385.3
   
$
247.2
     
56
%
 
$
1,303.5
   
$
1,337.9
     
(3
)%
Epsilon
   
640.3
     
599.9
     
7
     
2,272.1
     
2,155.2
     
5
 
Card Services
   
1,087.0
     
987.9
     
10
     
4,170.6
     
3,675.0
     
13
 
Corporate/Other
   
0.6
     
0.1
   
nm*
     
0.6
     
0.3
   
nm*
 
Intersegment Eliminations
   
(7.0
)
   
(7.5
)
 
nm*
     
(27.4
)
   
(30.3
)
 
nm*
 
Total
 
$
2,106.2
   
$
1,827.6
     
15
%
 
$
7,719.4
   
$
7,138.1
     
8
%
                               
Segment Adjusted EBITDA, net:
                             
LoyaltyOne
 
$
80.3
   
$
73.6
     
9
%
 
$
256.7
   
$
308.9
     
(17
)%
Epsilon
   
158.9
     
162.0
     
(2
)
   
475.7
     
480.2
     
(1
)
Card Services
   
311.4
     
298.5
     
4
     
1,344.9
     
1,213.3
     
11
 
Corporate/Other
   
(37.0
)
   
(27.1
)
   
37
     
(140.8
)
   
(122.4
)
   
15
 
Total
 
$
513.6
   
$
507.0
     
1
%
 
$
1,936.5
   
$
1,880.0
     
3
%
                               
Key Performance Indicators:
                             
Credit card statements generated
   
78.9
     
75.2
     
5
%
   
296.7
     
279.4
     
6
%
Credit sales
 
$
9,554.6
   
$
9,008.7
     
6
%
 
$
31,001.6
   
$
29,271.3
     
6
%
Average receivables
 
$
17,366.9
   
$
15,306.0
     
13
%
 
$
16,185.5
   
$
14,085.8
     
15
%
AIR MILES reward miles issued
   
1,540.0
     
1,622.1
     
(5
)%
   
5,524.2
     
5,772.3
     
(4
)%
AIR MILES reward miles redeemed
   
1,186.6
     
2,704.3
     
(56
)%
   
4,552.1
     
7,071.6
     
(36
)%
                                                 

* nm-not meaningful
9

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 25, 2018

ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, net:
                       
Net income
 
$
271.3
   
$
10.5
   
$
788.7
   
$
517.6
 
Income tax expense
   
35.0
     
51.4
     
292.4
     
319.4
 
Total interest expense, net
   
156.4
     
117.7
     
564.4
     
428.5
 
Depreciation and other amortization
   
46.5
     
43.5
     
183.1
     
167.1
 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
   
76.7
     
83.9
     
314.5
     
345.0
 
Stock compensation expense
   
11.6
     
17.1
     
75.1
     
76.5
 
Impact of expiry (1)
   
     
241.7
     
     
241.7
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
597.5
   
$
565.8
   
$
2,218.2
   
$
2,095.8
 
Less: Funding costs (2)
   
83.9
     
58.8
     
281.7
     
210.3
 
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non-controlling interest
   
     
     
     
5.5
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net of funding costs and non-controlling interest
 
$
513.6
   
$
507.0
   
$
1,936.5
   
$
1,880.0
 
                                 
Core Earnings:
                               
Net income
 
$
271.3
   
$
10.5
   
$
788.7
   
$
517.6
 
Add back: non-cash/ non-operating items:
                               
Stock compensation expense
   
11.6
     
17.1
     
75.1
     
76.5
 
Amortization of purchased intangibles
   
76.7
     
83.9
     
314.5
     
345.0
 
Non-cash interest (3)
   
11.7
     
6.8
     
47.1
     
25.6
 
Impact of expiry (1)
   
     
241.7
     
     
241.7
 
Income tax effect (4)
   
(23.1
)
   
(89.5
)
   
(143.5
)
   
(206.4
)
Core earnings
   
348.2
     
270.5
     
1,081.9
     
1,000.0
 
Less: Core earnings attributable to non-controlling interest
   
     
     
     
4.0
 
Core earnings attributable to common stockholders
 
$
348.2
   
$
270.5
   
$
1,081.9
   
$
996.0
 
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
   
55.6
     
57.9
     
55.9
     
58.9
 
Core earnings attributable to common stockholders per share – diluted
 
$
6.26
   
$
4.67
   
$
19.35
   
$
16.92
 
                                 
                                     
(1)
Represents the impact of the cancellation of the AIR MILES® Reward Program's five-year expiry policy on December 1, 2016.
(2)
Represents interest expense on deposits and securitization funding costs.
(3)
Represents amortization of debt issuance and hedging costs.
(4)
Represents the tax effect for the related non-GAAP measure adjustments using the effective tax rate for each respective period exclusive of the tax reform impact. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2016, the effective tax rate was adjusted for the impact of expiry.

10

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
January 25, 2018

   
Three Months Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
57.7
   
$
77.4
   
$
370.2
   
$
(42.6
)
 
$
462.7
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
21.6
     
76.0
     
23.6
     
2.0
     
123.2
 
Stock compensation expense
   
1.0
     
5.5
     
1.5
     
3.6
     
11.6
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
80.3
     
158.9
     
395.3
     
(37.0
)
   
597.5
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
83.9
     
     
83.9
 
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non‑controlling interest
   
     
     
     
     
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
80.3
   
$
158.9
   
$
311.4
   
$
(37.0
)
 
$
513.6
 


   
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
(191.6
)
 
$
76.7
   
$
328.2
   
$
(33.7
)
 
$
179.6
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
21.1
     
78.6
     
25.7
     
2.0
     
127.4
 
Stock compensation expense
   
2.4
     
6.7
     
3.4
     
4.6
     
17.1
 
Impact of expiry
   
241.7
     
     
     
     
241.7
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
73.6
     
162.0
     
357.3
     
(27.1
)
   
565.8
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
58.8
     
     
58.8
 
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non‑controlling interest
   
     
     
     
     
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
73.6
   
$
162.0
   
$
298.5
   
$
(27.1
)
 
$
507.0
 


   
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
167.0
   
$
134.5
   
$
1,517.4
   
$
(173.4
)
 
$
1,645.5
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
81.7
     
309.7
     
98.4
     
7.8
     
497.6
 
Stock compensation expense
   
8.0
     
31.5
     
10.8
     
24.8
     
75.1
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
256.7
     
475.7
     
1,626.6
     
(140.8
)
   
2,218.2
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
281.7
     
     
281.7
 
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non‑controlling interest
   
     
     
     
     
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
256.7
   
$
475.7
   
$
1,344.9
   
$
(140.8
)
 
$
1,936.5
 


   
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
LoyaltyOne
   
Epsilon
   
Card
Services
   
Corporate/
Other
   
Total
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
(24.0
)
 
$
123.2
   
$
1,318.3
   
$
(152.0
)
 
$
1,265.5
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
86.6
     
325.2
     
91.2
     
9.1
     
512.1
 
Stock compensation expense
   
10.1
     
31.8
     
14.1
     
20.5
     
76.5
 
Impact of expiry
   
241.7
     
     
     
     
241.7
 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
314.4
     
480.2
     
1,423.6
     
(122.4
)
   
2,095.8
 
Less: Funding costs
   
     
     
210.3
     
     
210.3
 
Less: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non‑controlling interest
   
5.5
     
     
     
     
5.5
 
Adjusted EBITDA, net
 
$
308.9
   
$
480.2
   
$
1,213.3
   
$
(122.4
)
 
$
1,880.0
 

 
11

Exhibit 99.2
 Alliance Data NYSE: ADS  Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 ResultsJanuary 25, 2018 
 

 11  2  Forward-Looking StatementsThis presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements give our expectations or forecasts of future events and can generally be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “plan,” “likely,” “may,” “should” or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements.  Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding our expected operating results, future economic conditions including currency exchange rates, future dividend declarations and the guidance we give with respect to our anticipated financial performance. We believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements, however, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this presentation, and no assurances can be given that our expectations will prove to have been correct. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, factors set forth in the Risk Factors section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year, which may be updated in Item 1A of, or elsewhere in, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed for periods subsequent to such Form 10-K. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation, other than as required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events, anticipated or unanticipated circumstances or otherwise. 
 

 Agenda  Speakers: Ed Heffernan President and CEO Charles Horn EVP and CFO Fourth Quarter and Full Year Consolidated ResultsSegment Results2017 Full Year2018 Updated Guidance  1  3 
 

 Fourth Quarter and 2017 Consolidated Results(MM, except per share)    Quarter Ended December 31 ,      Year Ended December 31,          2017  2016  % Change  2017  2016  % Change    Revenue   $ 2,106  $ 1,828  +15%  $ 7,719  $ 7,138  +8%    Net income  $ 271   $ 11   nm  $ 789   $ 518  +52%    EPS  $ 4.88   $ 0.18  nm  $ 14.10   $ 7.34  +92%    Core EPS  $ 6.26   $ 4.67  +34%  $ 19.35   $ 16.92  +14%                    Adjusted EBITDA  $ 598  $ 566  +6%  $ 2,218  $ 2,096  +6%    Adjusted EBITDA, net  $ 514  $ 507  +1%  $ 1,937  $ 1,880  +3%                    Diluted shares outstanding  55.6  57.9    55.9  58.9        2  4  Net tax benefit from tax reform added approximately $1.02 to EPS and Core EPS for fourth-quarter and full-year 2017.Dividend raised 10 percent to $0.57 in first quarter of 2018.  
 

 LoyaltyOne® (MM)    Quarter Ended December 31,      Year Ended December 31,          2017  2016  % Change  2017  2016  % Change    Revenue  $ 385  $ 247  +56%  $ 1,304  $ 1,338  -3%                    Adjusted EBITDA  $ 80  $ 74  +9%  $ 257  $ 314  -18%    Non-controlling interest  -  -  nm  -  -5  nm    Adjusted EBITDA, net  $ 80  $ 74  +9%  $ 257  $ 309  -17%    Adjusted EBITDA %  21%  30%  -9%  20%  23%  -3%                    3    5  AIR MILES economics restored.BMO contract renewed.BrandLoyalty’s rollout of a retail loyalty program for Disney EMEA starts in January 2018. 
 

 Epsilon® (MM)  Faster than expected stabilization and growth in Technology Platform offering.Conversant CRM bounced back to strong double-digit growth in fourth quarter.Strong growth in Europe.    Quarter Ended December 31,      Year Ended December 31,          2017  2016  % Change  2017  2016  % Change    Revenue  $ 640  $ 600  +7%  $ 2,272  $ 2,155  +5%                    Adjusted EBITDA  $ 159  $ 162  -2%  $ 476  $ 480  -1%    Adjusted EBITDA %  25%  27%  -2%  21%  22%  -1%                    4    6 
 

 Card Services (MM)    Quarter Ended December 31,      Year Ended December 31,          2017  2016  % Change  2017  2016  % Change    Revenue  $ 1,087  $ 988  +10%  $ 4,171  $ 3,675  +13%                    Operating expenses  360  341  +6%  1,404  1,311  +7%    Provision for loan losses  332  290  +15%  1,140  941  +21%    Funding costs  84  59  +43%  282  210  +34%    Adjusted EBITDA, net  $ 311  $ 299  +4%  $ 1,345  $ 1,213  +11%    Adjusted EBITDA, net %  29%  30%  -1%  32%  33%  -1%    5    Hurricanes reduced revenue and gross yields by approximately $40 million and 90 basis points, respectively, for the fourth quarter.Operating expenses improved 70 basis points from 2016 expressed as percentage of average receivables.Allowance for loan loss reserve is equivalent to 12 months forward coverage of reservable card receivables.  7 
 

 Card Services (MM)  Tender share gains added over 100 basis points to credit sales growth for year.Divested two non-core portfolios in December reducing average receivables growth by 2 percent for fourth quarter.Hurricanes’ impact increased ending delinquency rates by approximately 20 basis points.   Key Metrics:  Quarter Ended December 31,      Year Ended December 31,          2017  2016  Change  2017  2016  Change    Credit sales  $ 9,555  $ 9,009  +6%  $ 31,002  $ 29,271  +6%    Average card receivables  $ 17,367  $ 15,306  +13%  $ 16,186  $ 14,086  +15%    Total gross yield  23.6%  25.1%  -1.5%  24.9%  25.5%  -0.6%    Operating expenses as % of average card receivables   7.8%  8.7%  -0.8%  8.4%  9.1%  -0.7%    Principal loss rates  6.0%  5.5%  +0.5%  6.0%  5.1%  +0.9%    Delinquency rate  5.1%  4.8%  +0.3%  5.1%  4.8%  +0.3%    6    8 
 

 7  9    Revenue ($BN)      Adj. EBITDA, net ($MM)      Core EPS    LoyaltyOne  $ 1.30  -3%    $ 257  (18%)        Epsilon  $ 2.27  +5%    $ 505 -29 $ 476  +5%(1%)    IncentiveComp. restoredv. $0 2016    Card Services  $ 4.17  +13%    $ 1,345  +11%         ADS  $ 7.72  +8%    $ 1,937  +3%    $19.35  +14%                    1 Includes $1.02 of net tax benefit.  2017 Full Year  1   
 

 8  10  2017 Full Year     (+)    (▬)  LoyaltyOne:         AIR MILES   Model stabilized (25 percent adj. EBITDA margins)    Stabilized, but did not add to ADS growth    Renewed BMO relationship (#1 client)    Promotional spend (1/3 of issuance) remains weak    No client losses        Active collectors back to pre-crisis levels      BrandLoyalty  Strong double-digit growth from 2014 through 2016    Poor 2017 results         Considered “air pocket” vs. fundamental issue 
 

 2017 Full Year  11    (+)    (▬)  Epsilon:           Strong bounce to +5 percent revenue and +5 percent adj. EBITDA growth excluding restoration of incentive compensation    Macro: impact of tight labor market for ‘hot skills’    Technology Platform offering (~25 percent of segment) turned from -13 percent revenue growth in Q4, 2016 to +7 percent revenue growth in Q4, 2017    Better visibility on financial results    Digital CRM offering up strong double-digits; dip in Q3 was air pocket          Auto offering up double-digits                
 

 2017 Full Year  12    (+)    (▬)  Card Services:           Delinquency wedge effectively closed (best predictor of future losses)55 basis points to 10 basis points excluding impact of hurricanes    3rd Party recovery market plummeted – lower recovery rate increased net principal loss rate by 60 basis points    15 percent growth in average receivables    Traditional retailers facing pressure; lower core sales pressures receivables growth    Record new signings: close to $3BN vintage (Signet, Build.com, Viking Cruises, Guess, Diamonds Int’l, Adorama, IKEA)         Double-digit adj. EBITDA net growth despite 90 basis points increase in net principal loss rate                
 

 2017 Full Year  ConsolidatedRevenue up 8 percent and core EPS up 14 percent (up 8 percent excluding net tax benefit)Leverage modest @ 2.7x while funding approximately $1 billion for buybacks and capital for portfolio growthCredit loss rate stabilizing after two years of increasesADS poised to return to mid-to-high teens core EPS growth in 2018Raising cash dividend 10 percent to $0.57 per share starting Q1, 2018  13 
 

 14  2018 Updated Guidance  Consolidated  2017  2018    Revenue – prior  $ 7.72BN  $ 8.70BN  +12%  ASC 606 accounting reclassification 1   -   -0.35BN    Revenue – updated  $7.72 BN  $ 8.35BN  +8%          Core EPS  $ 19.35  $22.50 - $23.00  +16 to 19%  1 ASC 606 revenue recognition, which is effective January 1, 2018, requires a net revenue recognition (gross revenue less of cost of goods) for travel related redemptions at AIR MILES. This new presentation lowers reported revenue but does not impact core EPS.    
 

 High single-digit revenue, low double-digit adjusted EBITDA growthMid-single-digit revenue and adjusted EBITDA growthMid-teens revenue and adjusted EBITDA growthMid-teens portfolio growth ($2.5BN)‘15 to ’17 signings ramping ($2.5 BN) plus core ($1.0 BN) less non-core $1.0 BN) = 15 percent growthStable gross yields (~25 percent)Stable delinquency rates – best predictor of future lossesSpread vs prior year: Q1  (55) basis points; Q4  (10) basis points excluding hurricane impact Stable net principal loss rates: 2015 2016 2017 2018FGross 6.9% 7.2%Recoveries (1.8%) (1.2%)Net 4.5% 5.1% 6.0% 6.0%Hurricanes will negatively impact Q1; nominal if any impact to Q2 – Q4   2018 Guidance  15  LoyaltyOne:  Epsilon:  Card Services: 
 

 12  16  Financial MeasuresIn addition to the results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, the Company may present financial measures that are non-GAAP measures, such as constant currency financial measures, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA, net of funding costs and non-controlling interest, core earnings and core earnings per diluted share (core EPS). Constant currency excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Company calculates constant currency by converting our current period local currency financial results using the prior period exchange rates. The Company uses adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, net as an integral part of internal reporting to measure the performance and operational strength of reportable segments and to evaluate the performance of senior management. Adjusted EBITDA eliminates the uneven effect across all reportable segments of non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of intangible assets, including certain intangible assets that were recognized in business combinations, and the non-cash effect of stock compensation expense. Similarly, core earnings and core EPS eliminate non-cash or non-operating items, including, but not limited to, stock compensation expense, amortization of purchased intangibles, amortization of debt issuance and hedging costs, mark-to-market gains or losses on interest rate derivatives, changes to the expiry policy and regulatory settlements. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, viewed in addition to and not in lieu of the Company’s reported GAAP results, provide useful information to investors regarding the Company’s performance and overall results of operations. Reconciliations to comparable GAAP financial measures are available in the Company’s earnings release, which is posted in both the News and Investors sections on the Company’s website (www.alliancedata.com). No reconciliation is provided with respect to forward-looking annual guidance for 2018 core EPS as the Company cannot reliably predict all necessary components or their impact to reconcile core EPS to GAAP EPS without unreasonable effort. The events necessitating a non-GAAP adjustment are inherently unpredictable and may have a material impact on the Company’s future results. The financial measures presented are consistent with the Company’s historical financial reporting practices. Core earnings and core EPS represent performance measures and are not intended to represent liquidity measures. The non-GAAP financial measures presented herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies, and are not identical to corresponding measures used in other various agreements or public filings.  
 

 Q & A  17